Board Members and Staff

Board Officers.

Vice President position currently Vacant

Fill out our Board Member application if you are interested in joining us!

Brandi- Treasurer

I’m Brandi, a wife, mom, and advocate for my son Nick, 25, who has autism and epilepsy. Married for 27 years, I work as a bookkeeper and restaurant manager and have led nonprofit and volunteer efforts in my community.

With over seven years of social media and network marketing experience, I bring creativity and passion to everything I do, including supporting my community, cheering for the Mariners, and enjoying the magic of Disneyland. FUN FACT: I’m currently planning my daughter’s dream wedding!

Maria Roark- Secretary

Hello! I’m Maria. I am the ND secretary of ASW. I am mom/guardian of my two autistic adults. Tyler is 25 and Haley is 21. We moved back here to Washington from Alaska and I joined the board soon after. Currently living in Spokane but forever dreaming of living by the sea.

It’s important to me that as a board we listen to Autistic self -advocates, advocate when needed, but always be an ally. Mental health issues are very important to me as well. There are so many marginalized and forgotten people out there who don’t have resources and/ or feel very alone. I hope we can connect them to something that helps them and shows them they are seen and heard. We all deserve safe spaces and places we can be ourselves. I am on my own journey to understand how I am built and that has been really freeing for me. My happy place is the ocean and also being at a screaming hardcore band rock show.

Ali Burris-President

Ali Burris is a 21-year-old student at Seattle University studying English and French. She was diagnosed with Autism in June of 2023 and applied to the board a month later. She also was identified as a teenager as having ADHD, severe anxiety, and PTSD. She is passionate about advocacy and acceptance for neurodiverse brains of all backgrounds and situations. She hopes to show the diversity and value of Autistic people, and fight to make the path towards acceptance and support easier for people like her.

Board members.

Jodi Duke- Board Member

  • I moved to Seattle in June 2023!

  • I am an Associate Professor of Special Education at George Mason University in Virginia.

  • I coordinate the graduate autism program at GMU and my research focuses on supporting autistic students as they transition to post-secondary life.

  • I am so grateful to be a part of ASW!

Melissa Lozito- Board Member

  • Mental Health Therapist

  • Dog Mom to 3 Pups

  • Neurodivergent Affirming Advocate

  • Gender Affirming Advocate

  • Gamer Creative Crafter

  • Mindful Meditator